Rethinking the Queensway

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by acottawa

If the city suddenly came into $20 billion for a new infrastructure project, I don't think burying the Queensway would be high on my list.

$20B seems only a fraction of the probable price tag. Nice thought exercise though.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by acottawa

If the city suddenly came into $20 billion for a new infrastructure project, I don't think burying the Queensway would be high on my list.

I love how we are having fantastic hypothetical conversations about tunnelling to bring an LRT line over from Gatineau, to move the KERWN truck problem to Vanier, and even to bury the Queensway, but we are not even permitted to have a fantastic hypothetical conversation about tunnelling to improve the lack of urban transit in our most urban neighbourhoods.

[eltodesukane]

"Turn the Queensway into a boulevard? Put it underground?"

If not underground, make it elevated,
so that all the streets can go unobstructed under it.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by eltodesukane

"Turn the Queensway into a boulevard? Put it underground?"

If not underground, make it elevated,
so that all the streets can go unobstructed under it.

Is it not already elevated?

[zzptichka]

Just stop widening it. 3 lanes in each direction everywhere, period.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

Just stop widening it. 3 lanes in each direction everywhere, period.

^ This

[Urbanarchit]

Originally Posted by Uhuniau

Is it not already elevated?

Technically yes, though I think some sections are not. I imagine what the zzptichka means is for it to be up on stilts with empty space below like the Gardiner Expressway instead of being a solid concrete wall the entire length. I see the value depending on the area because it would enable all streets perpendicular to it to connect so pedestrians, etc. don't have to find an underpass to cross.

Japan does something interesting with elevated train tracks and highways where they allow businesses to be built underneath. Examples: Shimokitazawa and Ginza (yes, that is a full grocery store under a highway). It makes the area feel much better and livelier than what we currently have.

[Kitchissippi]

With the exception of Lyon, all the streets downtown have underpasses. I don't see any advantage of putting the Queensway on stilts, it would just create unsightly spaces with potential security issues. Plus I doubt there's any desire for the Glebe to be more integrated with Centretown LOL. In the near west, there are lots of residential cul-de-sacs that would probably scream bloody murder if you reconnected them across the highway.

[OTownandDown]

How much to bury it just from Parkdale to Nicholas?

Think of all the lovely spaces we could have if that were the case. No more trudging under the highway when walking north/south.

Surely a land sale for the few hundred new lots could make up for a portion of the costs?

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by OTownandDown

How much to bury it just from Parkdale to Nicholas?

Think of all the lovely spaces we could have if that were the case. No more trudging under the highway when walking north/south.

Surely a land sale for the few hundred new lots could make up for a portion of the costs?

I think you would be looking at an 11 digit number given now much much more modest tunnelling projects cost. The new land might be worth a few million and would be reduced in value by the entrance and exit tunnels and the Catherine traffic sewer.